Crankbait tuning device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a crankbait tuning device comprising a main lever arm comprising a first main lever arm major side, a second main lever arm major side, and a first handle portion, the first lever arm major side comprising a first interlocking portion and a main lever arm threaded portion; a torque setting knob comprising a mating threaded portion, wherein the mated threaded portion is attached to the main lever arm threaded portion in mated threaded fashion; an opposing lever arm comprising a second handle portion and a first jaw portion, the opposing lever arm pivotally attached to the main lever arm; and a movable lever arm comprising a first movable lever arm major side and a second movable lever arm major side, wherein the first movable lever arm major side comprises a second jaw portion and a second interlocking portion, wherein the movable lever arm first major side is disposed between the torque setting knob and the main lever arm and pivotally attached to the main lever arm such that the first interlocking portion is contacted with and engaged with the second interlocking portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.14/935,124, filed Nov. 6, 2015, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/218,236, filed on Sep. 14, 2015, theentirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to devices for adjusting crankbait lures.

BACKGROUND

One of the most popular and effective fishing lures is the crankbait.Crankbaits are trolled or cast by anglers and are designed to appearlike a wounded minnow traveling through the water. Crankbaits are highlyeffective at catching many types of fish in both in fresh water andsaltwater. Anglers often take great pride in having numerous differentsizes and colors of crankbaits and often have a tackle box full of justthese lures, with an array of colors and patterns. Crankbaits aredesigned, produced, and sold by manufacturers in the United States andthroughout the world.

Crankbaits are typically composed of five main parts: 1) a lure bodyhaving a shape resembling a small fish, such as a minnow; 2) a divingbill that is inserted or molded into the forward part of the lure body,causing the lure body to run deep and creating a wobbling motion as thebody is moved through water; 3) hook hangers to hold the hooks, insertedor molded to the bottom of the lure body; 4) hooks, typically two treblehooks; and 5) a line tie, which is a semicircular piece of wire moldedor screwed into the diving bill or molded into or screwed into a portionof lure body such as the nose of the fish-like shape. The line tie iswhere an angler attaches fishing line to the crankbait.

When the crankbait is pulled through water via fishing line attached tothe line tie, the shape of the lure body assisted by the diving billcreates a side-to-side wobble that is thought to create a wounded minnowappearance. This wounded minnow appearance can provoke a desirablestrike reaction from gamefish such as muskellunge (“muskie”), red fish,stripers, salmon, and the like.

Not all crankbaits are the constructed the same, as artisans createvarious designs thereof and different makes and models. Further, thereis often significant variation in the movement of crankbaits sold asidentical items. Thus, for example, an angler can purchase fourcrankbaits of the same apparent make, model, and size and get differentlure motion and/or fishing results from each crankbait. The reason forthis variability is that the line tie can be off of the true center axisof the lure body. What seem to be minor increments of the line tie offof the center axis prevents a crankbait from tracking “true” or straightin the overall sense as it is pulled through the water, that is,prevents the motion from evenly wobbling from side to side. A crankbaitthat tracks perfectly straight is said to be “in tune.” Many experiencedanglers agree that a lure that tracks straighter catches more fish. Thusit is desirable to have the line tie perfectly set on the center axis ofthe lure body.

Some crankbaits are out of tune even when brand new. Crankbaits can alsobe knocked out of tune by striking a rock heavily during fishingactivities, wherein the wire line tie can shift off center and thus aonce “tuned” lure becomes out of tune.

Conventionally, anglers use a conventional needle nose pliers, or aslotted tuner having either a “pencil” style or a “key” style to tunethe lure. If the crankbait appears to veer to the left as it is pulledthrough the water, the line tie is slightly bent to the right, therebybringing the line tie more toward true “0”. In contrast, if thecrankbait appears to veer to the right as it is pulled through thewater, the lure can be tuned by slightly bending the line tie to theleft.

Crankbait tuning thus requires a high level of experience and dexterityas well as a practiced eye, because it can be difficult to determinewhether an appropriate adjustment has been made simply by looking. Tothe frustration of many anglers, “overtuning” (bending the line tie toofar) is often constituted by any visible movement of the line tie duringthe tuning attempt. Complicating the difficulty is that tuning is oftenattempted while the user is in a boat on the water, and the movement ofthe boat can make tuning much more difficult or even impossible. Badweather conditions such as wind, rain, and the like make the task evenmore difficult.

There are no known tuning tools that remedy the difficulty of thisseemingly simply operation. Sellers of crankbait tuners invariablyinstruct the user to carefully and lightly bend the line tie toaccomplish tuning. Even when a user with great experience and skillfollows these instructions, overtuning can result.

Conventional tuning devices are rigid and imprecise in the applicationof force, with no inherent control in application of torque or pressureto bend the line tie. This lack of control results in the difficultiesexperienced by the user described above. Even if the user is greatlyskilled (the inventor has 17 years of professional guiding experience)the minute increments needed to adjust the lure causes overtuning tobecome essentially inevitable and in some cases the lure is eventuallyruined by multiple attempts to tune.

When a conventional device, such a needle nose pliers are used, theamount of force and/or torque is applied by the user. If the squeezingaction by the user's hand is light, then less force is applied in theplier jaws for example. Also if a conventional plier is used and thesqueezing action by the hand is heavy and very strong, then a heavyforce is being applied in the plier jaws, a force equivalent to thestrong squeezing action by the hand. The same factors apply in usingknown rigid slotted devices such as those described in U.S. Pat. No.5,425,193 or key shaped slotted devices such as Tune-A-Fish (sold atwww.reefrunner.com). Conventional slotted pencil devices apply torquebased only the applied force or exertion of the user. In sum,conventional devices used to tune crankbaits apply force and torque asselected by the user and subject to trial and error.

There is a need in the industry for a lure-tuning tool that allows auser to precisely apply a suitable amount of torque to a line tie toaccomplish acceptable tuning sufficient to provide a crankbait thattracks “true”. There is a need in the industry for a lure-tuning toolthat allows a user to precisely apply a suitable amount of pressure to aline tie to accomplish acceptable tuning sufficient to provide acrankbait that tracks “true”. There is a need in the industry tominimize the probability of overtuning the line tie of a crankbait lure.There is a need in the industry to increase the ease and efficiency oftuning a crankbait lure.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a crankbait tuning device comprising a main leverarm comprising a first main lever arm major side, a second main leverarm major side, and a first handle portion, the first lever arm majorside comprising a first interlocking portion and a main lever armthreaded portion; a torque setting knob comprising a mating threadedportion, wherein the mated threaded portion is attached to the mainlever arm threaded portion in mated threaded fashion; an opposing leverarm comprising a second handle portion and a first jaw portion, theopposing lever arm pivotally attached to the main lever arm; and amovable lever arm comprising a first movable lever arm major side and asecond movable lever arm major side, wherein the first movable lever armmajor side comprises a second jaw portion and a second interlockingportion, wherein the movable lever arm first major side is disposedbetween the torque setting knob and the main lever arm and pivotallyattached to the main lever arm such that the first interlocking portionis contacted with and engaged with the second interlocking portion.

The invention is a plier type device for tuning fishing lures such ascrankbaits. The tuning device provides a maximum preset force, torque,or both to the line tie of a crankbait lure. The tuning device enables auser to tune a crankbait without overtuning.

In some embodiments, the tuning device is capable of applying anadjustable amount of torque, pressure, or both to a line tie. In someembodiments, the tuning device causes a clicking noise to occur when apreset amount of torque, force, or both has been applied, to inform theoperator that the preset value of torque and/or force has been applied.In some embodiments, the tuning device provides a new position to informthe operator that a preset amount of torque has been applied.

Additional advantages and novel features of the invention will be setforth in part in the description that follows, and in part will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following,or may be learned through routine experimentation upon practice of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a tuning device of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of another tuning device of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of another tuning device of the invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of another tuning device of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another tuning device of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view a test device used to test the load requiredto tune a crankbait using a tuning device of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the present disclosure provides references to preferredembodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes maybe made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. Various embodiments will be described in detail withreference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals representlike parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference tovarious embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attachedhereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification arenot intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the manypossible embodiments for the appended claims.

Definitions

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art. In case of conflict, the present document, includingdefinitions, will control. Preferred methods and materials are describedbelow, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein can be used in practice or testing of the presentinvention. All publications, patent applications, patents and otherreferences mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in theirentirety. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein areillustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,”“contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to beopen-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not precludethe possibility of additional acts or structures. The singular forms“a,” “and” and “the” include plural references unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The present disclosure also contemplatesother embodiments “comprising,” “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of,” the embodiments or elements presented herein, whetherexplicitly set forth or not.

As used herein, the term “optional” or “optionally” means that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may but need not occur, andthat the description includes instances where the event or circumstanceoccurs and instances in which it does not.

As used herein, the term “about” modifying, for example, the quantity ofan ingredient in a composition, concentration, volume, processtemperature, process time, yield, flow rate, pressure, and like values,and ranges thereof, employed in describing the embodiments of thedisclosure, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that canoccur, for example, through typical measuring and handling proceduresused for making compounds, compositions, concentrates or useformulations; through inadvertent error in these procedures; throughdifferences in the manufacture, source, or purity of starting materialsor ingredients used to carry out the methods, and like proximateconsiderations. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differdue to aging of a formulation with a particular initial concentration ormixture, and amounts that differ due to mixing or processing aformulation with a particular initial concentration or mixture. Wheremodified by the term “about” the claims appended hereto includeequivalents to these quantities. Further, where “about” is employed todescribe a range of values, for example “about 1 to 5” the recitationmeans “about 1 to about 5” and “1 to about 5” and “about 1 to 5” unlessspecifically limited by context.

As used herein, the word “substantially” modifying, for example, aproperty, a measurable quantity, a method, a position, a value, or arange, employed in describing the embodiments of the disclosure, refersto a variation that does not affect the overall recited property,quantity, method, position, value, or range thereof in a manner thatnegates an intended property, quantity, method, position, value, orrange. The effect on methods that are modified by “substantially”include the effects caused by variations in type or amount of materials,tolerances, settings, the effects of ambient conditions on a process,and the like wherein the manner or degree of the effect does not negateone or more intended properties or results; and like proximateconsiderations. Where modified by the term “substantially” the claimsappended hereto include equivalents to these types and amounts ofmaterials.

Discussion

Referring to FIG. 1, tuning device 100 comprises main lever arm 2,opposing lever arm 4, movable lever arm 1, torque setting knob 3, pin 6,and retainer clip 7. Main lever arm 2 of tuning device 100 includesfirst major side 22, second major side 23, and first handle portion 8.First major side 22 includes first interlocking rib portion 10 and mainlever arm boss 13 with main lever arm threaded portion 12. Inembodiments, main lever arm threaded portion 12 has about 10 to 30threads per inch, or about 15 to 30, or about 10 to 25, or about 15 to25, or about 15 to 20, or about 18 threads per inch. Main lever arm 2further defines first pin receiving hole 16 that proceeds through mainlever arm 2 from first side 22 to second side 23. Opposing lever arm 4of tuning device 100 includes second handle portion 11 and first jawportion 9. Opposing lever arm 4 further defines second pin receivinghole 17 that proceeds through opposing lever arm 4.

Movable lever arm 1 of tuning device 100 includes second jaw portion 14,movable lever arm first major side 24, and movable lever arm secondmajor side 25. First major side 24 includes and second interlocking ribposition 15. Moveable lever arm 1 defines main lever arm threadedportion receiving hole 18 that proceeds from first major side 24 tosecond major side 25. Torque setting knob 3 of tuning device 100includes mating threaded portion 20. Pin 6 of tuning device 100 includesgroove portion 21.

Tuning device 100 is assembled by attaching opposing lever arm 4 to mainlever arm 2, and attaching movable lever arm 1 to main lever arm 2; thetwo attachments may be suitably made in the stated order or in theopposite order, as will be appreciated by one of skill. In somewhat moredetail, first pin receiving hole 16 is aligned with second pin receivinghole 17 as shown by hash line A; then pin 6 is inserted through holes16, 17 such that groove 21 protrudes from second side 23 of main leverarm 2; then retainer clip 7 is attached to pin 6 by sliding clip 7across groove portion 21 of pin 6, thereby pivotally securing opposinglever arm 4 to main lever arm 2. Movable lever arm 1 is attached to mainlever arm 2 by aligning movable lever arm 1 and main lever arm 2 asshown by hash line B; then main lever arm threaded portion 12 isinserted through main lever arm threaded portion receiving hole 18 ofmovable lever arm 1 such that main lever arm threaded portion 12protrudes through second major side 25 of movable lever arm 1; thentorque setting knob 3 is affixed to main lever arm threaded portion 12by screwing torque setting knob 3 onto main lever arm threaded portion12 using mating threaded portion 20. The attachment of movable lever arm1 to main lever arm 2 causes movable lever arm 1 to be disposed overmain lever arm boss 13 and further causes secured engagement of firstinterlocking rib portion 10 with second interlocking rib portion 15.

When assembled, tuning device 100 allows a user to grip handle portions8, 11 and urge handle portions 8, 11 together, which in turn urges firstjaw portion 9 toward and into contact with second jaw portion 14 as willbe appreciated by one having familiarity with conventional plier typedevices. However, as the user urges first and second jaw portions 9, 14into pressurized contact, torque setting knob 3 controls the amount ofpressure that may be applied during the contact. In somewhat moredetail, when the user urges handle portions 8, 11 together, contactingjaw portions 9, 14 with force, a threshold amount of force causesengaged interlocking rib portions 10, 15 to move rotatably against eachother, and no further force may be applied at contacted jaw portions 9,14. Instead, force in excess of the threshold force, applied by the uservia handles 8, 11, causes interlocking rib portions 10, 15 to moverotatably against each other. Threshold force is adjusted by screwingknob 3 in a tighter or looser manner, causing interlocking rib portions9, 14 to be contacted in a tighter or looser mated positionrespectively. In this way, the user may suitably adjust the thresholdforce that may be applied to jaw portions 9, 14. The opposing lever arm4 holds lure body or the side of the diving bill of the crankbait whenthe device is being used to apply torque to a line tie.

Torque is the counterpart of the force in angular motion and is definedas the tendency of a force to rotate an object about the axis, afulcrum, or a pivot.

In some related embodiments, the threshold force is not adjustable bythe user, that is, the tuning device does not include main lever armthreaded portion 12 or mating threaded portion 20 and instead thesesections are replaced by an affixed mated attachment of movable leverarm 1 relative to main lever arm 2. The affixed mated attachmentprovides a fixed threshold force that is set by the manufacturer toprovide a threshold force that corresponds to a suitable force fortuning a crankbait. Due to the large variations of lure types, size,configurations and materials used the threshold force applied at thejaws of the device ranges from about 1 lb to 200 lb, or about 2 lb to200 lb, or about 5 lb to 200 lb, or about 10 lb to 200 lb, or about 20lb to 200 lb, or about 50 lb to 200 lb, or about 100 lb to 200 lb, orabout 1 lb to 3 lb, or about 1 lb to 5 lb, or about 1 lb to 10 lb, orabout 1 lb to 25 lb, or about 1 lb to 50 lb, or about 1 lb to 100 lb, orabout 1 lb to 150 lb, or about 5 lb to 150 lb, or about 5 lb to 100 lb.

However, the tuning device of the invention is suitably designed toapply up any force range. This force range can be changed by 1) changingthe torque setting knob; 2) changing the spring type or diameter of thewire; or 3) changing the mechanical advantage of the device.

In some embodiments, a suitable force for tuning a “small” crankbait isabout 1 lb to 10 lb, for example about 3 lb to 8 lb. In someembodiments, a suitable force for tuning a “large” crankbait lure isabout 15 lb to 100 lb, for example about 30 lb to 50 lb. A “small” lureis defined as a crankbait lure used to fish for panfish, typicallythough not always employed in conjunction with a 4 lb test line. A“large” lure is defined as a crankbait lure used to fish for muskie orsalt water fish, typically though not always employed in conjunctionwith a 40 lb test line. The wire of the loop to be tuned in thecrankbait is often made of mild steel and has a diameter that rangesfrom about 0.02 inches for a small crankbait to about 0.05 inches for alarge crankbait.

In embodiments, a manufacturer sets the threshold force during themanufacturing of the tuning device. In some embodiments, settings of thedevice are provided for “small”, “medium” and “large” crankbait luretuning that are reflected by settings provided on the tuning knob thatcorrespond to the proper amount of force or torque applicable to thedevice when the knob is set to the appropriate setting.

In any of the embodiments above or below, the various parts of thetuning device are made from a range of materials suitable for a pliertype device. Thus, a range of metals, plastics, reinforced or filledplastics, and the like are suitably employed to form the parts of thetuning device. Metals such as aluminum, steel such as stainless steel,and cast iron or thermoplastic or thermoset materials such aspolyolefins, polyamides, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)copolymers, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), polyimides such as nylon 6,nylon 6,6, or nylon 12, or other engineering thermoplastics orthermosets and filled or fiber reinforced versions of these materialsare also suitably used. A blend of such materials is also suitablyemployed in various devices as will be appreciated by one of skill. Inembodiments, different materials or blends thereof are employed to formthe various parts of the tuning device.

In embodiments, the size and/or proportion of the various parts of thedevice are changed to address larger and smaller line ties of thecrankbait lures employed to fish for larger and smaller gamefish.

In any of the embodiments above or below, interlocking rib portions 10,15 may be replaced with another design or configuration that providesfor adjustable interlocking disposition when main lever arm 2 iscompressed against movable lever arm 1. For example, a series of cubic,cuboid, parallelopiped, or semi-circular protrusions “bumps” may beemployed in place of rib portions 10 or 15 or both.

In any of the embodiments above or below, pin 6 or another pin articlesubstantially as described herein may be replaced with another fastenerfor fastening objects or materials together in pivotal fashion, as willbe appreciated by one of skill. For example, screws, rivets, slottedspring pins, nut/bolt pairs, and the like are suitably employed in placeof the pin 6/retainer clip 7 securing means. Additionally, in someembodiments, one or more washers are further employed in any of thefastening means described herein, including washers disposed betweenknob 3 and movable arm 1, or between movable arm 1 and main lever arm 2.

A related embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, tuningdevice 200 comprises main lever arm 2, opposing lever arm 4, movablelever arm 1, first pin 6, second pin 26, first retainer clip 7, secondretainer clip 27, and torsion spring 31. Main lever arm 2 of tuningdevice 200 includes first major side 22, second major side 23, firsthandle portion 8, and display ridge 32. Main lever arm 2 further definesfirst receiving hole 16 which proceeds through main lever arm 2 firstside 22 to second side 23. Main lever arm 2 further defines secondreceiving hole 28 that proceeds through main lever arm 2 from first side22 to second side 23. Opposing lever arm 4 includes second handleportion 11 and first jaw portion 9. Opposing lever arm 4 further definesthird receiving hole 17 that proceeds through opposing lever arm 4.First and second pins 6, 26 define groove portions 21, 33 respectively.

Movable lever arm 1 of tuning device 200 includes movable lever armfirst major side 24, movable lever arm second major side 25, and secondjaw portion 14. Movable lever arm 1 further defines fourth receivinghole 30 that proceeds through moveable lever arm 1 from first side 24 tosecond side 25. Movable lever arm 1 further defines window 29 thatproceeds through first side 24 to second side 25. Optionally, window 29is covered by a visibly transparent or translucent glass or plasticportion (not shown).

Tuning device 200 is assembled by attaching opposing lever arm 4 to mainlever arm 2, and attaching movable lever arm 1 to main lever arm 2; thetwo attachments may be suitably made in the stated order or in theopposite order, as will be appreciated by one of skill. In somewhat moredetail, first receiving hole 16 is aligned with second receiving hole 17as shown by hash line A; then pin 6 is inserted through holes 16, 17such that groove 21 of pin 6 protrudes from second side 23 of main leverarm 2; then first retainer clip 7 is attached to pin 6 by sliding clip 7across groove portion 21 of pin 6, thereby pivotally securing opposinglever arm 4 to main lever arm 2. Movable lever arm 1 is attached to mainlever arm 2 by aligning movable lever arm 1 and main lever arm 2 asshown by hash line C; then second pin 26 is inserted through fourthreceiving hole 30 of movable lever arm 1 such that second pin 26protrudes through second major side 25 of movable lever arm 1; thensecond pin 26 is inserted through torsion spring 31 as shown by hashline C; then second pin 26 is inserted through second receiving hole 28such that second pin 26 protrudes through second major side 23 of mainlever arm 2. Finally, second retainer clip 27 is attached to second pin26 by sliding clip 27 across groove portion 33 of second pin 26, therebysecuring movable lever arm 1 to main lever arm 2.

When assembled, tuning device 200 allows a user to grip handle portions8, 11 and urge handle portions 8, 11 together using hand force, which inturn urges first jaw portion 9 toward second jaw portion 14 as will beappreciated by one having familiarity with conventional plier typedevices. However, as the user urges first and second jaw portions 9, 14into pressurized contact, the torsion spring 31 controls or limits theamount of force that may be applied during the contact. In somewhat moredetail, when the user urges handle portions 8, 11 together, contactingjaw portions 9, 14 with force, a threshold amount of force causesclosing force of the torsion spring 31 to engage movable lever arm 1 tomove rotatably against the main lever arm 2. Torsion spring 31 isdesigned and adapted to obtain a specific maximum force such that oncethe specific maximum force is exceeded by hand pressure applied by theuser to handle portions 8,11 and thus to jaw portions 9,14 movable leverarm 1 is urged rotatably move away from the opposing lever arm 4.

When device 200 is assembled, window 29 is operable as a “view finder”window that enables a user to view of display ridge 32. Display ridge 32is situated on main lever arm 2 and encircles a portion of secondreceiving hole 28 substantially as shown in FIG. 2. In embodiments, thedisplay ridge 32 has markings such as has lines, numbers, letters orsome other indicia printed or embossed thereon. When movable lever arm 1is in the closed position, wherein “closed position” is defined as whenjaw portions 9, 14 are in contact, window 29 provides a view of one ormore markings present on display ridge 32. When the closed position ischaracterized as contact of jaw portions 9, 14 accompanied bysubstantial lack of force applied to the contact, window 29 ispositioned to display a first marking, such as “1”, “A” or another suchmark that indicates to the user that the jaw portions 9, 14 are in theclosed position but substantially no force is being applied thereto. Oneor more additional markings present on display ridge 32 are disposed inarcuate fashion around display ridge 32. As increasing force is appliedby the user to handle portions 8, 11 and translated to jaw portions 9,14, window 29 moves relative to display ridge 32 and one or more of theadditional markings present on display ridge 32 become visible throughwindow 29. As viewed by a user, the one or more additional markings aredisposed in a manner that indicates an increasing amount of force isbeing applied to jaw portions 9, 14. If the user applies an amount offorce corresponding to the threshold amount of force of torsion spring31, window 29 displays the last of the one or more additional markingspresent on display ridge 32 indicating to the user that the maximumforce has been applied to jaw portions 9, 14.

In some embodiments, the markings on display ridge 32 will read in orderfrom “1” to “5”. In some such embodiments, contact of jaw portions 9, 14without substantial force results in window 29 displaying marking “1”.Contact of jaw portions 9, 14 with increasing force results in window 29displaying marking “2” or “3” or “4”. Contact of jaw portions 9, 14 withforce corresponding to the threshold amount of force of torsion spring31 results in window 29 displaying marking “5”.

Many variations of the type and number of the markings, relative shapeof the window 29 and display ridge 32, and so forth are easilyenvisioned by one of skill. In this way, a user is enabled to suitably,repeatedly and reproducibly adjust the force that is applied to jawportions 9, 14.

Another related embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is similar to theembodiment of FIG. 1 except for the following differences. Referring toFIG. 3, tuning device 300 includes torque compression spring 34 disposedbetween movable lever arm 1 and torque setting knob 3. Additionally,movable lever arm 1 includes pencil tuner portion 35 defining slot 36.

When assembled, tuning device 300 allows a user to first grip handleportion 8 only, urging pencil tuner portion 35 into contact with a linetie of a crankbait, further engaging slot 36 with the line tie as willbe appreciated by one having familiarity with pencil tuner devices forcrankbait lures. However, as the user urges pencil tuner 35 intopressurized contact by urging handles 8, 11 together, torque settingknob 3 controls the amount of pressure that may be applied during thecontact by compressing interlocking rib portions 10, 15 into tighter orlooser contact. In somewhat more detail, when the user engages slot 36with the line tie, a threshold amount of force causes engagedinterlocking rib portions 10, 15 to move rotatably against each other,and no further force may be applied at contacted pencil tuner portion35. Instead, force in excess of the threshold force, applied by the uservia handle 8, causes interlocking rib portions 10, 15 to move rotatablyagainst each other. Threshold force is adjusted by screwing knob 3 in atighter or looser manner, causing interlocking rib portions 10, 15 to becontacted in a tighter or looser mated position respectively. In thisway, the user may suitably adjust the threshold force that may beapplied to pencil tuner portion 35.

The torque compression spring 34 provides compression on interlockingrib portion 10, 15 when held against movable lever arm 1 by knob 3. Ascompression is increased by turning knob 3, it will require more forceto release interlocking rib portion 10, 15.

In an exemplary embodiment, torque compression spring 34 is capable ofapplying pressure at 40.00 lbs./in when situated substantially asdescribed above. If main lever arm threads 12 are 18 threads/inch, thiscorresponds to about 2.22 lbs of force per turn of the torque settingknob. One of skill will understand that springs of various sizes andlevels of pressure application can be used.

Knob 3 fits both the inside and outside of spring 34 to assure alignmentof the spring as it is compressed. Each turn of the knob 3 will increaseor decrease the force on the interlocking rib portions 10, 15 and itwill take increasing or decreasing hand force applied to the handleportions 8, 11 to “break” the torque setting, that is, dislodge theinterlocked rib portions 10, 15.

Another related embodiment is shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is similar to theembodiment of FIG. 3 except for the following differences. Instead ofpencil tuner portion 34 and jaw portion 9 of movable arm 1 as shown inFIG. 3, movable arm 1 of tuning device 400 includes short nose portion36. Additionally, jaw portion 9 of opposing lever arm 4 has a spoonshaped portion 37. The spoon shaped portion 37 is designed and adaptedto securely cradle the sides of the crankbait lure body, increasing theprecision of the tuning operation during use.

Another related embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 5,tuning device 500 comprises main lever arm 2, movable lever arm 1,torque setting knob 3, and torque compression spring 34. Main lever arm2 of tuning device 500 includes first major side 22, second major side23, and single handle portion 8. First major side 22 includes firstinterlocking rib portion 10 and main lever arm boss 13 with main leverarm threaded portion 12.

Movable lever arm 1 of tuning device 500 includes pencil tuner portion35 defining slot 36, movable lever arm first major side 24, and movablelever arm second major side 25. First major side 24 includes secondinterlocking rib portion 15. Movable lever arm 1 further defines mainlever arm threaded portion receiving hole 18 that proceeds from firstmajor side 24 to second major side 25. Torque setting knob 3 of tuningdevice 500 includes mating threaded portion 20.

To assemble tuning device 500, movable lever arm 1 is attached to mainlever arm 2 by aligning torque setting knob 3, torque compression spring34, movable lever arm 1, and main lever arm 2 as shown by hash line B;then main lever arm boss 13 is inserted through main lever arm threadedportion receiving hole 18 of movable lever arm 1 such that main leverarm threaded portion 12 protrudes through second major side 25 ofmovable lever arm 1; then torque setting knob 3 fits over torquecompression spring 34 and is affixed to main lever arm threaded portion12 by screwing torque setting knob 3 onto main lever arm threadedportion 12 using mating threaded portion 20. The attachment of movablelever arm 1 to main lever arm 2 causes movable lever arm 1 to bedisposed over main lever arm boss 13 and further causes securedengagement of first interlocking rib portion 10 with second interlockingrib portion 15.

The action of torque compression spring 34, urged against main lever arm2 by knob 3, provides an adjustable force when a user grips handle 8 tourge pencil tuner portion 35 into contact with a line tie of a crankbaitas will be appreciated by one having familiarity pencil-type crankbaittuning devices. However, as the user urges pencil tuner portion 35 intopressurized contact, torque setting knob 3 controls the amount ofpressure that may be applied during the contact by compressinginterlocking rib portions 10, 15 into tighter or looser contact. Insomewhat more detail, when the user engages slot 36 with the line tie, athreshold amount of force causes engaged interlocking rib portions 10,15 to move rotatably against each other, and no further force may beapplied at contacted pencil tuner portion 35. Instead, force in excessof the threshold force, applied by the user via handle 8, causesinterlocking rib portions 10, 15 to move rotatably against each other.Threshold force is adjusted by screwing knob 3 in a tighter or loosermanner, causing interlocking rib portions 10, 15 to be contacted in atighter or looser mated position respectively. In this way, the user maysuitably adjust the threshold force that may be applied to pencil tunerportion 35.

Other Embodiments

The tuning device of the invention includes a reset mechanism to enablethe return of the Movable Lever Arm to reset to the original closedposition or starting position (before the torque setting was overcome).

The reset mechanism can be achieved by various arrangements onearrangement is by using a Floating Push Button Threaded Boss andmodified spring in a manner that will twist the movable lever arm to itsoriginal position when the reset button is depressed.

The modified spring has two free ends. One free end of the wire fitsover the movable lever arm threads and is inserted and held in place atthe base of the reset button. The reset button acts as a boss to holdthe Movable Lever Arm. The second free wire end of the modified springwould be twisted some 90 degrees opposite the Opposing Lever Arm atinstallation and inserted into a hole on the Movable Lever Arm. Thespring would then be compressed as the Torque Setting Knob is screwedon.

The slotted pencil versions of the tuning device, embodiments 300 and500, require a single lever arm action by the operator to unlock theinterlocked ribs.

When the mated ribs unlock and then lock again there is a clickingnoise. The operator stops applying pressure on the clicking noise. Theoperator stops applying pressure when the interlocked ribs unlock andthe handle opens/angles toward/or moves toward the side the torque isbeing applied to—the line tie.

When force is applied by hand pressure the mated interlocked ribs of themain lever arm and the main lever arm extension will unlock and move ina direction away from the Opposing Lever Arm.

The amount of force that is applied is based on how tight the TorqueSetting Knob is twisted onto the Threaded Pivot Boss. The tighter theTorque Setting Knob is turned in a clockwise manner the tighter theTorque Compression Spring is compressed. The Threaded Pivot boss ispermanently fixed to the Main lever Arm. Therefore twisting the TorqueCompression knob increases the pressure limit or the amount of pressurethat can be applied.

The level of compression of the Torque Compression Spring creates apressure limit that once reached unlocks the interlocked ribs and theMovable Lever Arm moves away from the Opposing Lever Arm.

The adjustable Torque Setting Knob and Torque Compression Springestablishes the amount of pressure that can be applied by hand pressure.If the Torque Setting knob is set in a position to lightly compress theTorque Setting Spring then a light amount of pressure exerted by handpressure will unlock the interlocked ribs of the Main Lever Arm and TheMain Lever Arm Extension. As the Main lever Arm Extension becomesunlocked or unmated a clicking noise is audible and the Main Lever ArmExtension moves away from the Opposing Lever Arm. When the click isheard and the movement away from the Opposing Arm is seen the personapplying the force will know that the set amount of force has beenreached.

Experimental

A 3D stereolithographic printer was used to print a model crankbait luretuning device 200 according to FIG. 2, having dimensions commensuratewith an overall length of opposing lever arm 4 (as represented in FIG.2) of about 6 inches. The material used to print the device was a UVcurable acrylate; 3D printing was accomplished by curing layers of theacrylate using UV irradiation. The control knob on the device was set toa level used to tune/adjust a small lure. The device was set in a testjig 1000 as shown in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 6, tuning device 200 wasplaced in a vise grip mounted to a table surface and a force scale 50was inserted between the jaws 9, 14 of the device. Force scale 50includes a spring (not shown) calibrated to measure force from 0-15 lb(obtained from Cardoza Creations of Oroville, Calif.) and an attachmenthook 51 attached to the force scale 50 in a manner wherein the hook 51is operably connected to the calibrated spring in order to measure theforce placed on the spring. Hook 51 is attached to jaw portion 14.

Using test jig 1000, we measured the maximum force that could be appliedto the device by urging handles 8, 11 together.

To use the tuning device 200, a user must be able to tune/change thelure path, that is, bend the wire loop of the crankbait lure to one sideor the other side. In order to bend the wire loop, the wire must bend inat least two loci. A simplified calculation of this is a beam deflectiontimes 2 (one for each side of the loop). Taking measurement from a“small” crankbait lure (SHADOW RAP® #5, obtained from NormarkCorporation of Minnetonka, Minn.) and “large” crankbait lure (MAGNUMSHALLOW INVADER®, obtained from MUSKY INNOVATIONS® LLC of Cleveland,Wis.) wire diameter and loop height, the force measurements in Table 1were produced using the following equation, where units of force are inpounds (lb) as measured using the test jig described above.

End load on cantilever beam with single fixed support:

δ=FL ³/3EI

where

-   -   L=length of beam    -   δ=deflection of beam    -   F=force (proportion of loco weight being resisted by axlebox)    -   E=Young's Modulus    -   I=moment of inertia of beam

TABLE 1 Force calculated for knob setting on the device. Factor SmallLure Large Lure Wire Diameter (in) 0.025 0.05 Beam Height (in) 0.2 0.37Deflection (in) 0.001 0.001 E (Youngs Modulus) 3.00E+07 3.00E+07 Inertiamoment 1.92E−08 3.07E−07 Jaw closing force 5.4 27.2 needed/beam (lbs)Jaw closing force 10.8 54.5 needed for 2 beams/ loop (lbs)

The invention illustratively disclosed herein can be suitably practicedin the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosedherein. Additionally each and every embodiment of the invention, asdescribed herein, is intended to be used either alone or in combinationwith any other embodiment described herein as well as modifications,equivalents, and alternatives thereof. In various embodiments, theinvention suitably comprises, consists essentially of, or consists ofthe elements described herein and claimed according to the claims. Itwill be recognized that various modifications and changes may be madewithout following the example embodiments and applications illustratedand described herein, and without departing from the scope of theclaims.

1. A crankbait tuning device comprising a main lever arm comprising afirst main lever arm major side, a second main lever arm major side, anda first handle portion, the first lever arm major side comprising afirst interlocking portion; a torque setting knob attached to the mainlever arm in mated threaded fashion; an opposing lever arm comprising asecond handle portion and a first jaw portion, the opposing lever armpivotally attached to the main lever arm; and a movable lever armcomprising a first movable lever arm major side and a second movablelever arm major side, wherein the first movable lever arm major sidecomprises a second jaw portion and a second interlocking portion,wherein the movable lever arm first major side is disposed between thetorque setting knob and the main lever arm and pivotally attached to themain lever arm such that the first interlocking portion is contactedwith and engaged with the second interlocking portion.
 2. The device ofclaim 1 further comprising a torque compression spring disposed betweenthe torque setting knob and the movable lever arm.
 3. The device ofclaim 2 wherein the torque compression spring is capable of applyingpressure at 40.00 lb/in.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the first andsecond interlocking portions are first and second interlocking ribportions.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the first jaw portioncomprises a spoon shaped portion.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein thesecond jaw portion is a short nose portion.
 7. The device of claim 1wherein the first jaw portion comprises a spoon shaped portion and thesecond jaw portion is a short nose portion.
 8. The device of claim 1wherein one or more of the main lever arm, the opposing lever arm, andthe movable lever arm comprise nylon.
 9. The device of claim 8 whereinthe nylon is a fiber reinforced nylon
 6. 10. A method of making acrankbait tuning device, the method comprising: forming a main lever armcomprising first main lever arm major side, second main lever arm majorside, and first handle portion, the first lever arm major sidecomprising first interlocking portion; forming an opposing lever armcomprising second handle portion and first jaw portion, the opposinglever arm designed and adapted to pivotally attach to the main leverarm; forming a movable lever arm comprising first movable lever armmajor side and second movable lever arm major side, wherein the firstmovable lever arm major side comprises second jaw portion and secondinterlocking portion; forming a torque setting knob designed and adaptedto attach in mated threaded fashion to the main lever arm; pivotallyattaching the opposing lever arm to the first main lever arm major side;attaching first movable lever arm major side to first main lever armmajor side such that first and second interlocking portions arecontacted; and attaching torque setting knob to main lever arm in matedthreaded fashion.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the attaching stepsare carried out in the recited order.
 12. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising disposing a torque compression spring between the second mainlever arm major side and the torque setting knob such that the torquecompression spring urges first and second interlocking portions intocompressed contact.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein first and secondinterlocking portions are first and second interlocking rib portions.14. The method of claim 10 wherein one or more of forming the main leverarm, forming an opposing lever arm, forming the movable lever arm, orforming a torque setting knob comprises forming from a reinforcedthermoplastic.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the reinforcedthermoplastic is a reinforced nylon.
 16. The method of claim 10 whereinforming the first jaw portion comprises a forming a spoon shapedportion.
 17. The method of claim 10 wherein forming the second jawportion comprises forming a short nose portion.
 18. The method of claim10 further comprising disposing a torque compression spring between thetorque setting knob and the movable lever arm prior to attaching thetorque setting knob to the main lever arm, wherein the disposed springis situated to limit the amount of force that may be applied duringpressurized contact of first and second jaw portions of the crankbaittuning device.